How To Start a Blog {FREE Printable Included!}

Thinking about starting a blog, but not sure where to begin? The SITS Girls have you covered with blogging tips and tutorials! From web domains to site design, our Starting a Blog Checklist has all the information you need to get started. What to know about starting a blog? Read on:

How Do I Start a Blog?

Is this a question that you’re running into? Then check out the below steps! We’ve breaking down how to start a blog step-by-step. {As an added bonus, we’ve even compiled the info into a free printable at the end of the post. Score!}

1. Determine Which Blogging Platform You’ll Be Using

This first step is a big one~ and it can be overwhelming. There are lots of popular options out there, but WordPress and Blogger are great places to start for beginner bloggers. Need help deciding which one? We can help you learn how to start a Blogger blog, or a WordPress blog. Check out our Blogger vs WordPress series to weigh the pros and cons of each:

• Moving Your Blog to WordPress
• Blogger to WordPress: Is it time for you to change?
• Mistakes to Avoid on WordPress

2. Name Your Blog

Time to hone in on your creativity! Pick a name that reflects the essence of your blog. Taglines aren’t critical, but they do give readers a snapshot as to what your blog is all about.

Take the time to really think this step through. After all, you & your blog want to have a long, happy relationship together!

3. Reserve/Purchase Your Domain Name

There are a number of compelling reasons why you need your own domain name. GoDaddy.com and WordPress.com are just two of the many sites that will walk you through this process.

4. Determine What You Want To Do With Your Blog Design

This is another key area, since your blog design can either draw people in or turn them away. Think of it like browsing for a book~ you are drawn more towards books with eye-pleasing designs, right? Same with blogs.

Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to find a design that reflects you. Blogger & WordPress offer free themes that you can build upon, and there are lots of free site design options that you can find via Google. And if you’re familiar with CSS, good for you~ have at it!

If you want a customized look for your blog to help it stand out, hiring a blog designer is always an option. Make sure you agree on what’s included in your design package upfront, and what type of design support will be available to you once your blog is up & running. Timing is also important~ you’ll want to get on your designer’s schedule as soon as possible.

5. Write, Write, WRITE!

Once you get readers to your site, you want to engage them & bring them back day after day. The best ways to do this?

• Have a great ABOUT page. Explain why you started blogging, introduce yourself, your family or anyone/anything else that you’ll be blogging about. Check out our post on 10 Ways to Dazzle Readers with Your About page for more ideas.
• Make sure your CONTACT page is up-to-date. Include your email address, as well as any other social media accounts that you’d like to connect with people on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.
• Remember that Content is King. Readers won’t want to hang around on your blog if there isn’t much to read, so have a handful of posts ready for when your site goes live.
• Set a blogging schedule to ensure that you’re keeping fresh posts coming. Whether you blog once a week or once a day, you should set that expectation for your readers from the get-go.
• Don’t forget the pictures! Too much text can get overwhelming to read. I frequently use adorable pictures of my children to lure readers back {like this one!}:

6. Social Media

If you haven’t already, joining Twitter and creating fan pages on Facebook and Google+ can really help build your community. Make sure you have the correct links to your social media accounts from your blog’s homepage, and ask your friends to like/follow you.

7. Create an RSS Feed

Feedburner is a free & easy option~ make sure to include a “subscribe here” link on your post!

8. Promote

Once your site is live, promote the daylights out of it {within reason, of course}. Share your new posts on social media platforms and engage in blogging communities.

Looking for a community to get started? The SITS Girls discussion forum is full of lovely & engaging bloggers from all types of niches. Pop over & introduce yourself!

Most Importantly: Stick With It!

It’s a lot of work to start a blog, but it’s also incredibly gratifying to create something that reflects you to the world. Print out our handy-dandy Blog Startup Checklist to help you through this exciting process.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of blogging!

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